T

A 2012 Phil Steele All-SEC Third-Team
selection…A 2009 SEC All-Freshman Team selection by the league’s head coaches…A
CollegeFootballNews.com Freshman All-America Team Honorable Mention for his
contributions his first season as a Gator.

2012:

Started and played in 11 games at left tackle
in 2012, including eight consecutive starts (Bowling Green, Texas A&M,
Tennessee, Kentucky, LSU, Vanderbilt, South Carolina, Georgia)…Also started
contests against Jacksonville State and Florida State…Graded out the highest
among offensive linemen after the Bowling Green game…Graded out 80 percent or
better in all but one game, and above 90 percent against BGSU, LSU and Florida
State.

2011:

Started at left tackle in nine contests in
the 2011 season: FAU, UAB, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, Vanderbilt,
South Carolina and Furman…Saw time at tackle in Florida’s 24-17 victory over
Ohio State in the TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl…Received the Extra Effort award
following his performance in the season opener against FAU…Named to Phil
Steele’s Preseason All-SEC Fourth Team (OT) and the Athlon Sports Preseason
All-SEC Third Team (OL)…Placed on the Outland Trophy Watch List.

2010:

Played in 12 games and started eight…In
addition to playing primarily right tackle, saw time at left tackle, as a
blocking tight end in certain situations and on special teams on the field-goal
unit…Started in Florida’s games vs. Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi
State, Georgia, Vanderbilt, Appalachian State and Florida State, with all
starts coming at right tackle except Tennessee (left tackle)…Graded out a
Champion in Florida’s win over Kentucky.

2009:

Played in 10 games his freshman season,
starting the last five contests, including South Carolina, FIU, FSU, Alabama in
the 2009 SEC Championship Game and Cincinnati in the 2010 Allstate Sugar
Bowl…Secured his first career start as a Gator at left tackle in the 24-14 win
over South Carolina on the road and played the entire game…Became the first
true freshman to start at left tackle since Reggie Green in 1992 and the last
true freshman to start at either tackle since Mo Collins started at right
tackle for UF in 1995…Saw action in the last series of the game in the win over
Kentucky, grading out a Champion at 83 percent…Saw action on the line in
Florida’s second game of the season against Troy, taking 16 snaps and grading
out a Champion at 81 percent.

PRIOR
TO FLORIDA:

Named the High School Maxwell Award winner
among offensive linemen…Named first-team all-state on the offensive
line…Collected 50 tackles while playing on defense…Led Jack Britt to the Class
4-AA state championship game…Played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl…Selected
as a first- team 2008 EA Sports All-American…Named a U.S. Army All-American
Bowl Player of the Year finalist…Chosen as the Cape Fear Region Player of the Year…Named
to Parade Magazine’s High School All-American team…The North Carolina ESPN Rise
Gatorade Football Player of the Year…A 2007 AP all-state selection…Named No. 37
recruit in the Rivals 100…Both parents are in the U.S. Military and have served
in the Middle East…Father
was stationed in Afghanistan, but was approved for leave to see Nixon commit to
UF at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in Orlando, Fla.…Coached by Richard
Bailey.

What they’re saying…

“I
feel the best I’ve ever felt in my life and I’m a lot more confident in myself.
I’m a lot stronger, a lot more balanced. My body mechanics feel great.”
(8/24/12)

Xavier Nixon, UF offensive lineman

“If I had a choice, I’d say Xavier
Nixon. Just technically sound, and he’s just on his stuff. On the inside
I’d say (Jon) Halapio because I’m at 3-technique and I’m mainly on him.”
(8/16/11)

Sharrif Floyd, UF defensive tackle, on who is
the best offensive lineman

“Definitely Jon Halapio [will be someone we
can lean on], he happens t be my roommate which is great, him and Xavier Nixon.
They have some experience. Jon is a hard worker and knows what he is doing and
gives it his all. Xavier is the same thing and he knows football. He wants to
help us out as best he can.” (8/8/11)

Jonotthan Harrison, UF center

“He’s
an important player for us to have a good year offensively. We needed him to
have some girth to him in this league. You’ve got to be able to anchor and set
edges. Athletically, he’s got all the tools to be successful. Him adding that
girth and being able to sustain is going to be critical for us.” (8/8/11)

Will
Muschamp, UF Head Coach

"He's got skills. He's the future here.
You're talking about a freshman who played the toughest position on the line.
He's so far ahead of where a lot of guys are, and when he's healthy, he can
dominate." (9/29/10)

Mike Pouncey, former UF and current NFL
center

“We have only had two true freshmen start
here and that is Maurkice Pouncey and Xavier Nixon. That tells you the quality
of player. That is usually a position that requires a three year maturity
process and it takes a special guy that can come in and play as a true
freshman. He is a high level player that has a great attitude.” (9/15/10)

Urban Meyer, former UF Head Coach

“I see it as no different than last year.
Whether you’re on the blind side or the front side, the guy across from you is
trying to kill you, so you better protect yourself and the quarterback. Blowing
up defensive lineman is our objective throughout the whole game.”(8/17/10)

Xavier Nixon, UF offensive lineman

“He's big and strong, yet agile and smooth on
his feet, which is precisely what you need from a guy at this position.”
(7/12/10)

Keith
Neibuhr, former GatorBait.net writer

"He's
extremely athletic and a great basketball player. He's very competitive. He has
a long reach and a classic tackle reach. He has a great family character."

Steve Addazio, former UF Offensive
Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach and current Temple Head Coach